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Boston’s Best Sunglass Shops

July 3, 2012 6:00 AM

Photo Credit: Thinkstock.com

There are many different types of sunglasses. Some desire designer shades while others prefer styles that are more affordable or specially designed for certain activities. Polarized sunglasses are perfect for days at the beach, because they have a special coating that helps minimize glare from the sun reflected off the mirror-like surface of the ocean. For those who are nearsighted or farsighted, there are even prescription sunglasses that are tailor made to correct the vision while blocking the dangerous rays of the sun. Here are some of Boston’s best shops to pick up a pair of shades that suit you perfectly this summer.

Sol Optics makes its home in the heart of Boston’s historic North End on the Freedom Trail. The impressive inventory is imported from all over the world, including France and Italy, and the shop also sells American-made sunglasses. This boutique carries designer brands like Versace, Ray-Ban, Ralph Lauren and Oakley. Prada, John Varvatos and many others are also available. Shoppers can also find tinted reading glasses so you can comfortably read outdoors at the beach or by the pool. Although you won’t find an optician here, Sol Optics works hand in hand with a lab that will transform their sunglasses into a pair that meets your needs. You just have to supply your own prescription and choose your desired frames.

Now that the Newbury Street location has closed, customers can still visit Solstice Sunglass Boutique at the Mall at Chestnut Hill for a wide variety of eyewear. They pride themselves on selling the best designer and luxury brands, but don’t expect to find prescription eyewear. The store also features sport sunglasses with helpful features like polarized lenses to protect the eyes from sun glaring off the water, whether you are fishing, sailing or just working on your tan by the pool. Solstice’s focus may be sunglasses, but their passion is customer service. You are sure to have a positive experience when visiting this sunglasses boutique.

This practice is exclusive to Boston, so you won’t find them anywhere else. They boast a designer frames collection that includes offerings from Versace, Gucci, Prada and Oakley. Any of their frames can be paired with tinted prescription lenses to create a custom pair of designer sunglasses that looks great and improves your vision. In many cases, prescription sunglasses can be ready within one hour. In addition, the store’s bi-lingual staff speaks English and Vietnamese to better serve the local community. Boston Eyeworks offers prescription and non-prescription sunglasses to meet your needs.

This clean and contemporary optometric practice is staffed by employees who are adept at helping you pick glasses or sunglasses that are perfectly suited to fit your face’s shape. South End Eye claims to “bring Hollywood pizzazz to Boston,” in part thanks to its collection of red carpet worthy sunglasses. This is the ideal place in Boston to buy hot designer shades that will make you look like you just stepped off an airplane from Los Angeles. You can purchase both prescription and non-prescription sunglasses at South End Eye.

This ubiquitous sunglasses shop can be found in local malls across the state for good reason. Sunglass Hut has an impressive array of sunglasses sure to meet your every need. They have several locations in Boston, MA. One such location is situated within Boston’s famous Prudential Center. Sunglass Hut prides itself on offering designer brands like Oakley, RayBan, Prada and Versace. For the budget-conscious, the store also features a variety of sunglasses for under $100.

Tracey Parece is a bibliophile, audiophile, writer and photographer from Boston, Massachusetts. She loves slow-moving turtles, real sugar and the works of William Shakespeare. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.